Boundaries

 

Jesus said, “But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months when there was a severe famine over all the land; yet, Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon” (Luke 4:25-26).

             Boundaries are created to separate people. When a Canadian crosses the Peace Bridge at Buffalo, he or she changes from a citizen into a foreigner. Until they return to Canada, the person obeys the law, interacts with the institutions and observes the customs of the United States. Since the differences between the two countries are not great the transition is relatively smooth. If that Canadian entered another country, like Saudi Arabia or China, the separation between foreigners and citizens would be greater and the adjustment more difficult. When the differences are great and the boundaries strictly enforced, there is an increased chance of tension and conflict.

             In this passage from Luke, Christ’s Revelation that his Mission includes outreach to those groups outside of Israel provokes a negative response from the people of Nazareth. By doing so, they show how the preservation of Religious and Social boundaries can obstruct God’s plan.

            When Jesus returned from his forty days in the desert he began his Ministry in the towns around Nazareth. This meant his reputation preceded his arrival to his hometown. As he read the text from Isaiah, the expectations of the people in the Synagogue likely grew. Unlike the Political and Religious elites in Jerusalem, here was someone who championed their concerns. There were no boundaries between him and them. However, when Christ recalled the stories of Elijah’s care for the widow at Zarephath and Eisha’s cure of Naaman the Syrian, they became hostile. These foreigners were outside the boundaries of the Jewish nation. His inclusion of Gentiles among the individuals to whom he Ministered implied these Religious and Social divisions were unimportant. For the people in the Synagogue, the exclusivity of the relationships between God and the Jewish nation as well as Jesus and the population of Nazareth were non-negotiables. They demonstrated their rejection of him through an attempt on his life. Yet, since the Good News Christ proclaimed was the liberation of all individuals from Sin and all were sinners, the only important boundary was between those who accepted or rejected Salvation. Since this was God’s plan, Jesus survived the attack and continued his Mission.

            Our Modern world understands the importance of boundaries. Nations will go to war to extend their boundaries, enhance their security or prosperity. Groups within society will shrink their boundaries to exclude members who might dilute their collective identity. Political leaders will use boundaries between citizens to rally supporters and vilify opponents. Religious Sects will frequently create boundaries in order to distinguish the pious few from the unholy masses. Often when individuals question the need for these boundaries Institutions and those who control them respond with hostility. Anyone on one side of a boundary would be threatened by the possibility that those on the other side are not really different from them. While all organizations, including the Church, must have certain beliefs and practices which are non-negotiable in order to maintain their integrity and distinguish them from the rest of society, they must also be aware of how they draw boundaries and regularly re-examine their justification. There was a time when a Catholic who wished to marry a Non-Catholic could not celebrate their Wedding inside a Church building. The reason given was such a celebration would cause scandal in the Parish. During the time of Vatican II, this justification was challenged by Bishops who thought the Church should indicate its support for any couple seeking to show their Marriage was rooted in their faith by permitting them to celebrate their Wedding in the Church. Like Jesus in this passage, it is necessary that we recognize boundaries which interfere with the unfolding of God’s plan and challenge them.

            Since legitimate differences exist between individuals and groups, some boundaries will always be necessary. Yet, if they do not serve a justifiable purpose they become an obstacle to what is true and right. Catholics need to be able to distinguish whether a boundary is necessary and respond accordingly.

January 30, 2022